Under the late September sun in Lanaken, the six-year-old horses faced a 1.35m course. The margins were minimal, and the tension was palpable.
Thian van Hoydonck set the tone with the BWP gelding Twix (Heartbeat). With a flawless round and a time of 60.43 seconds, the Belgian rider carried the crowd along and claimed pole position. The duo demonstrated how speed and control can flow together seamlessly.
Barely half a second later, Great Britain’s Alexander McLean followed with the mare Miss Contoulonia PS (Messenger). He guided Thomas Williams' horse through the finish in 60.91 seconds, once again showcasing the strength of Gestüt Lewitz breeding.
The podium was completed by Ireland’s Eoin Brennan, who stayed clear in 61.36 seconds with Fernhill SDF Five Star, a son of Big Star.
Just off the podium was Poland’s Tomasz Miskiewicz, who piloted the Hanoverian Vodkatini (Viscerado) to a neat clear in 61.54 seconds.
Fifth place went to Abdullah Mohd Al Marri of the United Arab Emirates. With Troy Z, a son of Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve. They stopped the clock at 61.70 seconds.
The best 30 combinations will return for Sunday’s finals. The remaining riders will compete in the consolation class tomorrow.
